Deal comes as part of cabler's drama makeover and follows acquisition of Eye's 'Person of Interest'

The Tribune Co. cabler’s deal for the Sherlock Holmes’ procedural follows on the heels of its purchase of rights to another CBS drama, “Person of Interest,” from Warner Bros. TV. The deals are part of the effort by the new regime at Tribune to make over WGN America into a home for original and acquired drama series.

The WGN America pact also ensures that “Elementary,” now in its second year, will be renewed for a third season on CBS (not that there was much doubt). The rerun window on WGN America is expected to begin after the show wraps its junior year on the network. “Person of Interest” reruns are also skedded to bow in 2015.

“‘Elementary’ is a first-rate drama and terrific addition to the lineup of compelling content that is redefining WGN America,” WGN America prexy Matt Cherniss said.

“We’re confident (‘Elementary’) will be the latest in CBS’ deep pipeline of dramas to make its mark in off-network cable syndication as well,” Koondel said.

“Elementary” episodes will become available to WGN America after each season of the Jonny Lee Miller-Lucy Liu starrer wraps on CBS. The CBS TV Studios production, exec produced by Rob Doherty, Sarah Timberman, Carl Beverly and Craig Sweney, is averaging 12 million viewers this season in Nielsen’s L7 measure.

WGN America has exclusive cable off-network rights to “Elementary.” CBS is likely to shop the show to local broadcast stations down the road, but not before WGN America’s window begins.

WGN America launches its first two original dramas, “Salem” and “Manhattan,” in April and July, respectively.

Enjoyed watching ” Person of Interest” on Saturday night. Glad it started with 1st episode of 4th season. Keep it going so more people can see what a great show it is. Then maybe CBS will put on a full season .Starting September in stead of January. Jan is a show killer for sure.